The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a renowned resource for writers, providing guidance on various citation styles, including MLA. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. The Purdue OWL MLA resource offers comprehensive instructions on formatting, citations, and references, helping writers to produce high-quality, properly cited papers.
Introduction to MLA Style
MLA style is characterized by its simplicity and clarity, making it easier for readers to focus on the content rather than the formatting. The style guide emphasizes the use of in-text citations and a Works Cited page to acknowledge sources. The Purdue OWL MLA resource provides detailed explanations and examples of how to apply these guidelines in various writing contexts.
MLA Formatting Guidelines
The Purdue OWL MLA resource outlines the basic formatting requirements for MLA-style papers, including:
- Double-spacing throughout the paper
- Legible font, typically 12-point Times New Roman
- One-inch margins on all sides
- Indentation of paragraphs using the tab key
These guidelines help create a consistent and readable format for writers to present their work.
Citations and References in MLA Style
The Purdue OWL MLA resource provides extensive guidance on creating in-text citations and a Works Cited page. In-text citations involve placing the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses at the end of a sentence, while the Works Cited page lists all sources used in the paper. The resource offers examples of how to cite various sources, including books, articles, websites, and more.
Common MLA Citation Examples
The Purdue OWL MLA resource provides numerous examples of MLA citations, including:
| Source Type | MLA Citation Example |
|---|---|
| Book | (Smith 24) |
| Journal Article | (Johnson 12-15) |
| Website | (Williams) |
These examples demonstrate how to properly cite sources in MLA style, helping writers to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors.
MLA Style Updates and Resources
The Purdue OWL MLA resource is regularly updated to reflect changes in the MLA Handbook, ensuring that writers have access to the most current guidelines and best practices. The resource also offers additional tools and resources, such as sample papers, templates, and tutorials, to support writers in their use of MLA style.
Additional MLA Resources
Writers can supplement the Purdue OWL MLA resource with other reputable sources, including:
- The MLA Handbook (8th edition)
- MLA Style Center
- MLA Formatting and Style Guide (Purdue OWL)
These resources provide a comprehensive understanding of MLA style and help writers to produce high-quality, well-formatted papers.
What is the primary purpose of the Purdue OWL MLA resource?
+The primary purpose of the Purdue OWL MLA resource is to provide guidance on MLA style and formatting, helping writers to produce high-quality, properly cited papers.
What are the basic formatting requirements for MLA-style papers?
+The basic formatting requirements for MLA-style papers include double-spacing, legible font, one-inch margins, and indentation of paragraphs using the tab key.
How do I cite a source in MLA style?
+To cite a source in MLA style, use in-text citations with the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses, and include a Works Cited page listing all sources used in the paper.
